Vera Jean

Reed

Vera Jean McCown Reed was born on May 15, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Walter R. McCown and Cleora O. Reynolds McCown. She peacefully departed this life on May 3, 2025, at St. Anne's Hospital, at the age of 83.

Vera received her early education at St. Benedict's and Lincoln Elementary Schools. She later attended both Scott High School and Whitney Vocational High School, graduating in the Class of 1959, where she served proudly as Senior Class Treasurer.

On July 30, 1960, Vera united in holy matrimony with William Fletcher Reed. They shared 45 beautiful years together until his passing. Their union was blessed with two children, Teresa Ann and William Haralson Reed.

Vera gave her life to Christ under the leadership of Pastor Samuel Coleman at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. She later joined Friendship Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member under the pastorship of Bishop Duane C. Tisdale. Vera served faithfully in the morning choir and on the usher board.

Her professional journey was marked by dedication and compassion. She worked as a nurse's aide at St. Vincent Hospital (1959–1963), a cashier at Cook's Brothers (1963–1966), and served the Toledo Board of Education as both a bus driver and driver trainer (1967–1979). She worked at Tate's Funeral Home (1992-2002) and was affectionately known as Ms. Tate. Her love for driving brought her back to the profession from 1998 until her retirement in 2011.

Vera also enjoyed bowling and served many years as Treasurer of the Jack & Jill Tuesday Morning League.

She was preceded in death by her parents and step father John B. Haralson; beloved husband, William; son, William Haralson Reed; sisters, Alice May McCown, Mary Ellen McCown Tisdale, and Phyllis A. McCown Fletcher; father- and mother-in-law, Virley and Sarah Reed; brothers-in-law, Richard Fletcher, Clyde Tisdale, Charles Reed, and James Reed; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Reed and nephew Carl Tisdale.

Vera leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter, Teresa Ann Reed Golden (Wilbert), special son, Scottie Rodgers. Grandchildren, Darryl Fletcher Reed, Sharrelle (Shaboo) DeVault, Danyelle Golden, Brishawn Reed, and special grandson Ameer Abdullah. Great-grandchildren, Dayten Reed, Ajai Reed, Shyanna DeVault. Great-great-grandchild Egypt DeVault. Brother-in-law, Virley Reed (Gail) and sisters-in-law, Debra Reed-Davis, Bobbie Ann Reed, Brenda Reed, and Thettis Reed. Special aunt Dora Skinner (Chicago,IL). Cherished nieces and nephews, Patti Ruffin, Jimmy and Florence Lloyd, Carole Hood, Corey-Jo Townsend, Brenda Higginbotham, Kevin Fletcher, Karen Carter, Richelle Fletcher, Cleora (Penny) Alexander, Clyde (T.I) Tisdale and Eva Miller. Lifelong friends, Martha Blanton (California), Helen Perkins, Ms. Pearlie, and Beverly Cumberland (Toledo).

Vera's legacy of love, kindness, and joyful spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.